New Models of Industry Collaboration to be Created

SINGAPORE – February 21, 2012 – SEMI, the global industry association for companies that supply manufacturing technology and materials to the world’s chip makers, will hold SEMICON Singapore 2012 during April 24-26 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Aiming at supporting Singapore to be the hub of Southeast Asia, the annual semiconductor industry event will feature 10 business and technology forums, suppliers search programs and display of the latest semiconductor applications and technology solutions for 3D IC and manufacturing efficiency improvement.

At January’s 35th SEMI Annual Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS), William Holt, senior VP and GM at Intel, pointed out that opportunities in new device structures come from FinFETS, nanowires, and tube-based devices, and that opportunities in device density by “rethinking interconnect” all promise paths towards a continuation of Moore’s Law through the decade.

From the point of view of manufacturing efficiency, Bernard S. Meyerson, an IBM Fellow, pointed out that “while vertical device structures, new material sets, and still-challenging EUV and 3D IC present unprecedented technical challenges and R&D costs on both suppliers and device manufacturers, the compound effect of 450mm wafer transition also generated divergent opinions about the need for R&D efficiency and “new models” of industry collaboration.” Michael R. Splinter, chairman and CEO of Applied Materials, also emphasized the need for “collaboration, coordination and consolidation” to solve the nexus of technical and economic challenges faced by the industry.

“With policy support in talent development and excellent transportation infrastructures, Singapore was chosen by world’s leading semiconductor players to be the Asian operation or global manufacturing centers,” said Terry Tsao, President of SEMI Southeast Asia. “To facilitate the better communication between manufacturers and their suppliers is an important issue. It also creates new opportunities for local suppliers.”

“The SEMICON Singapore exhibition and programs are set to provide a platform to engage device makers and suppliers to source technology solutions while allowing partners and buyers to find a better way for industry collaboration and further advance the industry growth and profitability,” said Taso.

The “Southeast Asia Manufacturing Business Leader Summit” will be held during the show to facilitate the discussion. Speakers from the industry will be invited to deliver keynotes, including Rodney Morgan, Executive Officer of IM Flash Singapore, Dr. Dan Lachica, President of First Philec Solar Corporation (FPSC) and etc. Meanwhile, a series of programs such as fab efficiency forum, OEM sourcing, suppliers search program and entrepreneurship seminar will be held to help the participants identify new business modules or opportunities. Furthermore, technology forums/workshops on 3D IC, MEMS, LED and assembly packaging and product test will address the latest technology innovations. SEMI is offering a 30 percent off the regular price for registration prior to April 2.

According to an IMF report, Asia’s growing influence in the world economy is evident from its resilience and quick recovery from the recent global financial crisis. Therefore, many global enterprises are seeking deeper partnerships in Asia and expanding their Asian businesses. Singapore, as a gateway to this region, will naturally be the top-tier choice thanks to its strength in the semiconductor industry.

Singapore has established its position as a hub of Southeast Asia and is taking lead in the world’s manufacturing output. Despite the economic uncertainty in 2011, a number of the world’s leading semiconductor players had announced major investments or plant expansion projects in Singapore. Nowadays, Singapore has 14 wafer fabs, 20 assembly and test operations, containing 3 of the world’s top 5 assembly and test subcontractor companies. There are about 40 IC design centers, which comprise 9 of the world’s top 10 fabless IC design companies.[1]

SEMICON Singapore 2012, a premier annual event for the semiconductor microelectronics community in Southeast Asia, will take place during April 24-26. For the first time, the show will be moved to Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre. Last year, the event attracted over 6,600 attendees from local and foreign leading semiconductor and technology companies. For registration and more information on SEMICON Singapore 2012, please visit http://www.semiconsingapore.org/

About SEMI

SEMI is the global industry association serving the nano- and microelectronics manufacturing supply chains. SEMI member companies are the engine of the future, enabling smarter, faster and more economical products that improve our lives. Since 1970, SEMI has been committed to helping members grow more profitably, create new markets and meet common industry challenges. SEMI maintains offices in Beijing, Bengaluru, Berlin, Brussels, Grenoble, Hsinchu, Moscow, San Jose, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Tokyo, and Washington, D.C. For more information, visit www.semi.org